Method for determining presence of cancer in a sample by assaying for expression of ECSA/DPPA-2 nucleotide sequences

Abstract

The invention relates to the discovery of known molecule “DPPA-2” and a so-called “cancer-testis antigen.” DPPA-2 is also a possible cancer stem cell marker. One can determine presence of cancer by assaying for the molecule, and also prevent or treat cancer via administration of the molecule.

1. A method for determining presence of a cancer comprising assaying a tumor sample for expression of full length DPPA-2 consisting of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 9 or a protein expressed thereby, presence thereof being indicative of said cancer, wherein said sample is not from testis, placenta, bone marrow, thymus or kidney cells. 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said cancer is non-small cell lung carcinoma, mesothelioma, melanoma or lymphoma. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said assay is a nucleic acid hybridization assay. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 3 , wherein said nucleic acid hybridization assay is a polymerase chain reaction. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said method comprises an immunoassay.